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[ 290 ] and the beginning of transformation. The higher devas of the Rūpadhātu (the world of form) are superior to the devas of the world of desire (Kamadhātu) in so far as they are gifted with better karmas which imply the action of pure light somehow or other. Transition from Rupadhātu to Arupadhấtu is also posible. In this way the entire cosmic system including the highest formless stages is brought under control but even all this acquisition which is the effect of karma pales into insignificance before the ideal of the transcendental realisation or Lokottara Siddhi which is synonymous with nirvana or absolute freedom from pain. This path to nirvana is said to have been discovered by Buddha himself. Discovery in this case is the realization of a truth already known but forgotten. The Buddha preached throughout his life on the efficacy of this path to nirvāpa. A person who receives this practical knowledge was called an Ārya and was distinguished from the other persons who were classified under Pșthagjñānas (TIT). An Arya or initiated person is said to have received the key of illumination which begins to work in his life removing moral or spiritual obstacles and leading him on to the goal of nirvana or perfect peace. The path is divided into four rather eight subsections, the four being namely Śrotāpanna, Saksdāgāmī Anägāmī, and Arhata. : Each stage is subdivided into two namely way and fruit-mārga and phala (Arf, 9727). In the course of these stages he is seeker after knowledge, sheds gradually his ignorance on karma more and more perfectly till the final destination is reached. A detailed analysis of the path is unnecessary but it is sufficient to say that on the completion of the first two stages Śrotāpanna, Márga and Phala, the man attains to such perfection in moral or spiritual greatness that he is then required after death to come down to earth consciousness only once. This stage is known as Saksdāgāmī i. e. once returning. The attainment of the next stage in its two phases means higher attainment in which a return to consciousness is no longer possible. This is called Anāgāmī. It may be worth noting that most of the karmas in this stage have disappeared. The next or the fourth
